Multi-feature stroller and infant car seat

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a baby stroller that is foldable. More particularly, this invention relates to a stroller which is adaptable to carry a car seat in either a forward or rear-facing position. Further, this invention relates to a stroller with: a folding mechanism that automatically folds a napper bar; an adjustable foot rest; and a locking collar adjustment mechanism to extend or shorten the length of the stroller's handle.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known in the art to provide strollers with various features to facilitate their use and to enhance the comfort of the baby or toddler being transported by the stroller. It is important for all strollers to be easy to use and be foldable into a compact structure for storage.

It is known to provide a stroller that is adaptable to carry an infant car seat in either a forward-facing direction or in a rearward-facing direction. Unfortunately, if the infant is forward-facing, the caregiver cannot see the infant while pushing the stroller. If the car seat is rearward-facing, the infant cannot see where they are going or see the people passing by. These known strollers do not provide a solution to this problem.

As the child gets older, he or she may be placed directly in the stroller. Such a stroller may be provided with a napper bar upon which the child may rest its head in a forward position. Known napper bars must be separately disengaged from the stroller frame when folding the stroller. This has been found to be a time-consuming nuisance for the caregiver.

It is also known to provide strollers with an adjustable foot rest. These typically require use of an additional support bar moveable to different positions. Unfortunately, the support bar and foot rest are easily kicked out of place by the child, thus defeating the purpose of the foot rest.

It is also known to provide strollers with adjustable length handles to accommodate the gait of the person pushing the stroller. However, these adjustment mechanisms have been found deficient in their ability to maintain a desired length. Additionally, these mechanisms are somewhat difficult to use.

Unfortunately, there is no known stroller which provides solutions to the aforementioned problems in one combined stroller. Thus, the need exists for a stroller with multiple feature which facilitate the ease of use of the stroller and the comfort of the child riding in the stroller.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a multi-feature stroller and infant car seat.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a stroller, as above, in which a car seat may be detachably mounted to the stroller in a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a stroller, as above, in which a napper bar extends from a frame of the stroller, and wherein a locking mechanism is provided by the napper bar to detachably receive the car seat in either facing position.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a stroller, as above, in which a padded flap extends from the napper bar and wherein the flap is provided with a lock tongue that is received in the locking mechanism for when the car seat is not secured to the napper bar.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a stroller, as above, in which a release mechanism is provided to move the napper bar to a recessed position.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a stroller, as above, in which a fold-down mechanism automatically releases the napper bar and collapses the frame when actuated.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a stroller, as above, in which an adjustable two-position foot rest is provided which is not kicked or easily dislodged by a child sitting in the stroller.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a stroller, as above, in which an adjustable locking collar is provided on a push handle of the stroller to adjust its position with respect to the frame.

These and other objects of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art forms, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements hereinafter described and claimed.

In general, a car seat-carrying stroller has a frame with a foldably connected forward sub-frame and a rear sub-frame. Each sub-frame has a pair of wheels mounted thereto. The forward sub-frame has a forward cross member at one end and a push bar extending in an opposite direction. The stroller is adaptable to carry a car seat which has a shell with a back support and a leg support. A back tongue extends from the shell opposite the back support and a leg tongue extends from the shell opposite the leg support. A napper bar extends from the frame away from the rear sub-frame to allow the child to rest its head when sleeping in a forward position. The napper bar has a locking mechanism to detachably receive either the back tongue or the leg tongue which allows the car seat to be either rearward-facing or forward-facing with respect to the stroller. The napper bar is foldable between an extended position and a recessed position. A fold-down mechanism connects the rear sub-frame to the forward sub-frame wherein actuation of the fold-down mechanism causes the sub-frames to collapse into a storage position. The fold-down mechanism is coupled to the napper bar and releases the napper bar to the recessed position when actuated. An adjustable foot rest has a body slidable upon the forward sub-frame. The body includes a front rim and a back rim and at least one segment extending therebetween an underside of the body. The underside of the foot rest also provides a collar extending between the front rim and the segments. Accordingly, the body may be positioned between the segments and the collar or within the collar. At least one lock adjustment connects the push bar, which extends from the frame, to a handle bar. The lock adjustment has a collar secured to either the push bar or the handle bar and a rotational lock moveable with the respect to the lock adjustment, wherein loosening of the lock adjustment allows slidable movement of the push bar with respect to the handle bar. Tightening of the lock adjustment precludes movement of the handle bar with respect to the push bar.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the napper bar may be provided with a flap which has secured to its distal end a flap tongue which is receivable in the locking mechanism of the napper bar. This covers the locking mechanism when not in use and provides padded surface on the napper bar.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, each of the above-identified features may be singly provided or in combination with one another as deemed appropriate.

The preferred stroller incorporating the concepts of the present invention is shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings without attempting to show all the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied, the invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a stroller of the present invention shown in a use position with a car seat detachably mounted thereto in a forward-facing position.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view showing the car seat in a rear-facing position.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing the car seat in a forward-facing position.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the stroller taken along line <b>4</b>—<b>4</b> of FIG. 2 with the car seat shown in a forward-facing position.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a car seat detachably mountable to the stroller.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the underside of the car seat.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the underside of the car seat.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a napper bar, taken along line <b>8</b>—<b>8</b> of FIG. 3, that is attachable to the stroller.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the napper bar.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a locking mechanism, taken along line <b>10</b>—<b>10</b> of FIG. 9, carried by the napper bar.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the locking mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view showing a flap tongue inserted into the locking mechanism.

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of an end of the napper bar.

FIG. 14 is a fragmented side-elevational view, in partial cross-section, showing a release mechanism of the napper bar.

FIG. 15 is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the release mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a fragmented elevational view of the release mechanism and a fold-down mechanism in a released position.

FIG. 17 is a fragmented top view taken along line <b>17</b>—<b>17</b> of FIG. 16 showing the release mechanism and the fold-down mechanism in an open position.

FIG. 18 is a fragmented elevational view taken along line <b>18</b>—<b>18</b> of FIG. 14, of the fold-down mechanism and the release mechanism.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view, taken along line <b>19</b>—<b>19</b> of FIG. 3, of the adjustable foot rest.

FIG. 20 is a fragmented elevational view, in partial cross-section, of the foot rest in a first position.

FIG. 21 is a fragmented elevational view, in partial cross-section, of the foot rest in a second position.

FIG. 22 is a fragmented elevational view, in partial cross-section of the lock adjustment.

FIG. 23 is a fragmented, partial cross-sectional view of the lock adjustment showing the collar of the locking adjustment.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A multi-feature stroller and infant car seat made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention is indicated generally the numeral <b>100</b> in the accompanying drawings and is best seen generally in FIGS. 1-4. Stroller <b>100</b> includes a frame <b>102</b> which is generally A-shaped when viewed from the side. Frame <b>102</b> includes a forward sub-frame <b>104</b> which consists of forward side members <b>106</b>. Foldably connected to forward sub-frame <b>104</b> is a rear sub-frame <b>108</b> which provides rear side members <b>110</b>. Each member <b>106</b> and <b>110</b> has a wheel <b>112</b> rotatably mounted thereto. These wheels may be provided with locking brakes and other features as is well known in the art. A forward cross member <b>116</b> connects ends of forward members <b>106</b> proximal wheels <b>112</b>. An adjustable foot rest, which is indicated generally by the numeral <b>120</b>, is slidably positioned upon forward members <b>106</b> and rests upon forward cross member <b>116</b>. A rear cross member <b>122</b> interconnects ends of rear members <b>110</b> proximal wheels <b>112</b>. Cross members <b>116</b> and <b>122</b> provide structural stability to stroller <b>100</b> in a manner well known in the art.

A fold mechanism <b>130</b> detachably interconnects forward sub-frame <b>104</b> to rear sub-frame <b>108</b>. Actuation of fold mechanism <b>130</b> allows folding of stroller <b>100</b> for storage when not in use. Push bars <b>132</b> extend angularly upward from fold mechanism <b>130</b> away from forward sub-frame <b>104</b> and in the same general direction as rear sub-frame <b>108</b>.

A handle <b>134</b> is coupled to push bars <b>132</b>. A cup tray <b>136</b> may be provided across push bars <b>132</b> for the convenience of the individual pushing stroller <b>100</b>. Push bars <b>132</b> and handle <b>134</b> may be interconnected by lock adjustments, which are generally indicated by the numeral <b>140</b>. Lock adjustments <b>140</b> allow for positional adjustment of handle <b>134</b> with respect to push bar <b>132</b>. Generally, this allows individuals with a longer gait to walk behind stroller <b>100</b> without inadvertently kicking rear sub-frame <b>108</b> or attached wheels.

A child support structure <b>142</b> is carried by frame <b>102</b> in a manner well known in the art. A sun shade <b>144</b> may be employed to cover support structure <b>142</b> or shade <b>144</b> may be retracted back to a recessed position adjacent push bar <b>132</b>. A storage basket <b>146</b> may be suspended from sub-frames <b>104</b> and <b>108</b> and is positioned below structure <b>142</b>. Storage basket <b>142</b> may receive a diaper bag, toys, or other items.

A napper bar, which is indicated generally by the numeral <b>150</b>, extends from fold mechanism <b>130</b> in a direction opposite rear sub-frame <b>108</b>. When the car seat is detached, napper bar <b>150</b> is normally employed by the toddler to rest his or her head when sleeping in a forward position. Napper bar <b>150</b> also functions to prevent inadvertent bumping of the child from a forward direction. Other advantages of napper bar <b>150</b> will become apparent as the detailed description proceeds.

A car seat, generally indicated by the numeral <b>160</b>, which is shown generally in FIGS. 1-4 and in detail in FIGS. 5-7, is carried by stroller <b>100</b>. In particular, car seat <b>160</b> may be placed in a forward-facing position as shown in FIG. <b>1</b> and in a rearward-facing position as shown in FIG. <b>2</b>. Car seat <b>160</b> is generally supported by forward sub-frame <b>104</b>, push bars <b>132</b>, and napper bar <b>150</b>. Car seat <b>160</b> includes a shell <b>162</b> which may have padding <b>164</b> disposed thereabout for the comfort of the child. A pair of hubs <b>166</b> extend outwardly from shell <b>162</b> and provide a pivoting mechanism for a rotatable handle <b>168</b>. Handle <b>168</b> may be rotated from a carrying position to a recessed or flush position as desired by the user. A shade <b>170</b> may be provided between rotatable handle <b>168</b> and a top of shell <b>162</b>. Shell <b>162</b> includes a back support <b>172</b> angularly extending from a leg support <b>174</b>. A seat belt slot <b>176</b> is provided through shell <b>162</b> to allow secure attachment of car seat <b>160</b> to an automobile seat in a manner well known in the art. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair of ribs <b>180</b> extend from shell <b>162</b> and provides structural support thereto. A back notch <b>184</b> is proximal back support <b>172</b> and extends into ribs <b>180</b>. Likewise, a leg notch <b>186</b> is proximal leg support <b>174</b> and extends into ribs <b>180</b>. Car seat <b>160</b> also provides side flanges <b>188</b> which are supported by push bars <b>132</b> and forward sub-frame <b>104</b>.

In order to secure car seat <b>160</b> to stroller <b>100</b> in either a forward-facing or rearward-facing direction, shell <b>162</b> is provided with a tongue <b>190</b> that engages a locking mechanism provided by napper bar <b>150</b>. Since both tongues extending from shell <b>162</b> are of similar construction, each will be provided with the same designating numeral. Components of a back tongue <b>190</b><i>a </i>are provided with an “a” suffix while components of a leg tongue <b>190</b><i>b </i>are provided with a “b” suffix. Back tongue <b>190</b><i>a </i>is medially disposed between ribs <b>180</b> as best seen in FIG. <b>7</b>. Leg tongue <b>190</b><i>b </i>is medially positioned between ribs <b>180</b> and extends from shell <b>162</b> as best seen in FIG. <b>6</b>. Each tongue <b>190</b> is provided with a body <b>192</b> with outwardly extending tabs <b>194</b>. Each tab <b>194</b> has a ramp <b>196</b> that provides a lock surface <b>198</b>. A stub <b>200</b> extends from body <b>192</b> and together with lock surface <b>198</b> forms a groove <b>202</b>. Of course, other structural embodiments of tongue <b>190</b> could be provided to fit with any type of locking mechanism.

To fully understand how car seat <b>160</b> is detachably mounted to stroller <b>100</b>, reference is made to FIGS. 5-10.

Napper bar <b>150</b> includes a tray <b>250</b> which may be used by the child as a place for holding snacks when car seat <b>160</b> is not coupled to stroller <b>100</b>. A locking mechanism <b>254</b> is provided in tray <b>250</b> to receive either tongue <b>190</b><i>a </i>or <b>190</b><i>b. </i>

Details of locking mechanism <b>254</b> are best seen in FIG. 10 wherein an underside of tray <b>250</b> provides a channel <b>258</b> which slidably receives a slide bar handle <b>260</b>. Handle <b>260</b> includes a plate <b>261</b> from which extends a body <b>262</b> which terminates at an inverted triangle-shaped portion. Body <b>262</b> provides body surfaces <b>264</b> that slidably engage and abut a pair of prongs <b>268</b> on each side thereof. Prongs <b>268</b> are received in respective channels <b>269</b> and are biased by a spring <b>270</b>. Each prong <b>268</b> provides a cam surface <b>272</b> that abuts a corresponding body surface <b>264</b>.

As best seen in FIG. 11, prong <b>268</b> includes a pawl <b>276</b> that extends above a top surface of body <b>262</b>. Each pawl <b>276</b> provides a head <b>278</b> with an incline surface <b>280</b> that bears against ramp <b>196</b> when tongue <b>190</b> is received in locking mechanism <b>254</b>. As ramps <b>196</b> are pressed downwardly, they engage incline <b>280</b> and begin movement of each prong <b>268</b> away from one another. Once ramp <b>196</b> clears incline <b>280</b>, lock surface <b>198</b> engages latch surface <b>282</b> and car seat <b>160</b> is engaged and coupled to locking mechanism <b>254</b>. Engagement of tongue <b>190</b> in locking mechanism <b>254</b> prevents car seat <b>160</b> from being lifted off of frame <b>102</b>. Engagement also precludes car seat <b>160</b> from falling off of the stroller or from being rotated from side to side. Such a mating condition also prevents rotation of car seat out of the stroller in a forward direction.

In the rear-facing mode, car seat <b>160</b> is secured to napper bar <b>150</b> and is supported at the head end by the rear edge of tray <b>250</b> through contact of notch <b>184</b> below the occupant's head. Support is also provided by horizontal surfaces of car seat <b>160</b> located at the head end of both ribs <b>180</b> and at the foot end by the support surfaces on the shell through flanges <b>188</b>. In a forward-facing mode, car seat <b>160</b> is secured to napper bar <b>150</b> and is supported at the foot end by a rear edge of tray <b>250</b> through contact of the shell below the occupant's feet and at the head by the support surfaces of the stroller handle through the lower surfaces of the handle hub on both sides of the car seat.

To remove car seat <b>160</b> from stroller <b>100</b>, a user pulls on slide bar handle <b>260</b>. This causes body surfaces <b>264</b> to engage each cam surface <b>272</b>. This removes pawl <b>276</b> from lock surface <b>198</b>, while the user simultaneously lifts up on car seat <b>160</b> to remove it from locking mechanism <b>254</b>.

A flap <b>290</b> may extend downwardly from napper bar <b>150</b> or tray <b>250</b>. As seen in FIG. 12, flap <b>290</b> may be provided with a flap tongue <b>190</b><i>c </i>such that it wraps around an edge tray <b>250</b> and is received in locking mechanism <b>254</b> as described above for car seat <b>160</b>. Accordingly, flap tongue <b>190</b><i>c </i>precludes entry of dirt and debris into locking mechanism <b>254</b> which might otherwise disrupt its operation. Flap <b>290</b> may be padded in such a way so as to provide a soft surface for a child to rest its head. Flap tongue <b>190</b><i>c </i>also precludes entry of a child's fingers into locking mechanism <b>254</b> and prevents pinching.

Napper bar <b>150</b> is coupled to forward sub-frame <b>104</b> via a release mechanism <b>302</b> as seen in FIGS. 13-18. Release mechanism <b>302</b> is contained within a release hub <b>304</b> integral with each forward member <b>106</b>. In a use position, napper bar <b>150</b> extends outwardly from forward sub-frame <b>104</b>. This allows the child to rest his or her head on the napper bar or to use the tray <b>250</b> for holding snacks and/or toys. In a recess position, napper bar <b>150</b> folds down below support structure <b>142</b> and lies adjacent forward members <b>106</b>. In the recess position, the toddler's legs may rest upon tray <b>250</b>.

Release hub <b>304</b> includes a release button <b>306</b> that is biased by a spring <b>308</b> as best seen in FIG. 15. A pivot pin <b>310</b> supports release button <b>306</b> at about a midpoint thereof such that depression of release button <b>306</b> causes rotation of release button <b>306</b> about pivot pin <b>310</b>. A claw <b>314</b>, which is integral with release button <b>306</b>, is disposed on the other side of pivot pin <b>310</b>. Claw <b>314</b> provides a claw edge <b>316</b> that terminates at a claw tip <b>318</b>. A slide pin <b>320</b> extends transversely from release hub <b>304</b> to engage end <b>300</b>.

End <b>300</b>, as best seen in FIG. 13, includes a nose <b>322</b> which terminates at a tip <b>324</b>. A bar edge <b>326</b> is provided by nose <b>322</b> and is engaged by fold mechanism <b>130</b> as will be discussed below. Nose <b>322</b> provides a slot <b>328</b> along a length thereof in a position substantially opposite and parallel with bar edge <b>326</b>. Disposed between slot <b>328</b> and tip <b>324</b> is a claw depression <b>330</b> which includes a claw wall <b>332</b>. Claw wall <b>332</b> terminates at an edge of nose <b>322</b> opposite bar edge <b>326</b> to provide a release channel <b>334</b> contiguous with claw depression <b>330</b>.

In its extended position, napper bar <b>150</b> is held in place by virtue of slide pin <b>320</b> positioned within slide slot <b>328</b> at an end closest to bar <b>150</b>. Napper bar <b>150</b> is also supported by virtue of claw <b>314</b> engaging claw wall <b>332</b>. As such, napper bar <b>150</b> is precluded from rotating about slide pin <b>320</b>.

To release napper bar <b>150</b> from its extended position, an individual presses release buttons <b>306</b> on respective forward members <b>106</b>. Simultaneously, the individual grasps napper bar <b>150</b> and pulls it outwardly from release hub <b>304</b>. Pressing of release button <b>306</b> causes claw <b>314</b> to disengage claw wall <b>332</b> allows end <b>300</b> to slide on slide pin <b>320</b>. Once slide pin <b>320</b> reaches the other end of slide slot <b>328</b>, napper bar <b>150</b> rotates in a clockwise direction as seen in FIG. <b>14</b>. This places napper bar <b>150</b> in a recessed position and allows easy access to support structure <b>142</b>.

Fold down mechanism <b>130</b> coacts with release mechanism <b>302</b> such that actuation of fold down mechanism automatically places napper bar <b>150</b> in its recessed position. This eliminates the need for the user to first disengage napper bar <b>150</b> prior to actuation or folding of stroller <b>100</b>. In order for fold down mechanism <b>130</b> to function in such a manner, release hub <b>304</b> is provided with a catch member <b>352</b> which provides a catch ledge <b>354</b>. As best seen in FIG. 16, member <b>352</b> and ledge <b>354</b> are laterally adjacent a bar channel <b>358</b>. As seen in FIG. 17, claw <b>314</b> and claw tip <b>318</b> extend into bar channel <b>358</b> when nose <b>300</b> is in a recessed position.

Fold-down mechanism <b>130</b> includes a fold hub <b>362</b> secured to each push bar <b>132</b>. Each fold hub <b>362</b> includes a grip <b>364</b> which forms a grip opening <b>366</b>. A thumb button <b>370</b> is disposed along grip <b>364</b> and is coupled to release hub <b>304</b>. In particular, thumb button <b>370</b> includes a thumb pawl that is biased by a spring <b>374</b> against push bar <b>132</b>. Thumb pawl <b>372</b> provides a ramp <b>376</b> which terminates at a thumb leg <b>378</b>. A bar <b>382</b> extends from fold hub <b>362</b> and is received in bar channel <b>358</b> when fold hub <b>362</b> is adjacent release hub <b>304</b>.

With napper bar <b>150</b> in either its extended or recessed position, actuation of thumb button <b>370</b> causes thumb pawl <b>372</b> to compress spring <b>374</b> and move toward push bar <b>132</b>. Accordingly, thumb leg <b>378</b> disengages from catch ledge <b>354</b> to allow pivotable movement of push bar <b>132</b> with respect to forward member <b>106</b> about a fold pin <b>390</b>.

When napper bar <b>150</b> is in its extended position, actuation of thumb button <b>370</b> functions as described above. Additionally, counterclockwise movement of grip <b>364</b>, as seen in FIG. 16, causes disengagement of bar <b>382</b> from bar edge <b>326</b>. Accordingly, since there is no force on this surface, claw <b>314</b>, by itself, can no longer maintain napper bar <b>150</b> in its extended position. Accordingly, claw <b>314</b> slidably moves along claw depression <b>330</b> and napper bar <b>150</b> rotates about slide pin <b>320</b>. The primary advantage of this coaction is that napper bar <b>150</b> is automatically released from its extended position whenever fold down mechanism <b>130</b> is actuated.

Another unique feature of stroller <b>100</b> is adjustable foot rest <b>120</b> as best seen in FIGS. 19-21. Foot rest <b>120</b> includes a body <b>450</b> with openings <b>452</b> at each end. Openings <b>452</b> allow slidable movement of body <b>450</b> upon frame members <b>106</b>. Body <b>450</b> has an underside <b>454</b> from which extends a front rim <b>456</b> and a back rim <b>458</b>. The foot plate <b>459</b> is opposite underside <b>454</b> and provides a place for a child sitting in support structure <b>142</b> to rest his or her feet. A pair of segments <b>462</b> extend from underside <b>454</b> proximal back rim <b>458</b> and substantially parallel therewith. Each segment <b>462</b> has a deflectable ridge <b>464</b> extending toward front rim <b>456</b>. This forms a channel <b>465</b> for receiving front cross member <b>116</b> in a low position. A collar <b>468</b> is formed on underside <b>454</b> adjacent front rim <b>456</b>. Collar <b>468</b> includes a middle rib <b>470</b> disposed between front rim <b>456</b> and segments <b>462</b>, a support rib <b>474</b>, and a stop member <b>476</b>. Middle rib <b>470</b> includes a deflectable rib ridge <b>472</b> opposite support rib <b>474</b>. Stop member <b>476</b> is formed between middle rib <b>470</b> and support rib <b>474</b>. Accordingly, a channel <b>478</b> is formed between middle rib <b>470</b> and support rib <b>474</b>. Accordingly, as best seen in FIG. 21, front cross member <b>116</b> may be received in channel <b>478</b> and place adjustable foot rest <b>120</b> in a high position. Therefore, if the child has relatively short legs, the body <b>450</b> is grasped and pulled upwardly to deflect member <b>472</b> and is rotated forward until it is received in channel <b>465</b>. Deflectable member <b>464</b> is then engaged by cross member <b>116</b> and adjustable foot rest is held in place. If it is desired to move the foot rest from a low position to a high position, the body <b>450</b> is grasped and pulled up and returned to channel <b>478</b>.

Another unique feature of the stroller <b>100</b> is a provision for an adjustable handle. This allows the user to adjust the height and/or length of the handle <b>134</b> with respect to ground. This allows taller individuals, who tend to have a longer stride or “kick” distance, to not kick the rear axle if the distance between them and the stroller is too short. This is accomplished by coupling push bar <b>132</b> with handle bar <b>134</b> via lock adjustment <b>140</b>.

Lock adjustment <b>140</b> includes a collar <b>502</b> which is secured to an end of handle bar <b>134</b>. A sleeve <b>504</b> extends radially inwardly from collar <b>502</b>. External threads <b>512</b> are disposed about the sleeve <b>504</b> in either a left-hand or right-hand configuration, depending upon which side of handle bar <b>134</b> lock adjustment <b>140</b> is disposed. Extending from sleeve <b>504</b> are a plurality of deflectable tines <b>516</b>. Each tine <b>516</b> includes a block <b>518</b> which has an internal ledge <b>520</b> and an external ledge <b>522</b> which has a radially inward slope that extends downwardly from sleeve <b>504</b> to its distal end. External ledge <b>522</b> terminates at a face <b>524</b>.

A rotational lock <b>530</b> is disposed over push bar <b>132</b> and is coupled to collar <b>502</b>. Rotational lock <b>530</b> provides a tube <b>532</b> with longitudinal ridges <b>534</b> disposed about the outer surface to assist in gripping the rotational lock <b>530</b>. Internal threads <b>538</b> are provided within the interior of tube <b>532</b> and mesh with external threads <b>512</b>. An annular ring <b>540</b>, which has a diameter less than the diameter of internal threads <b>538</b>, is provided at the end of tube <b>532</b> opposite handle bar <b>134</b>. As rotational lock <b>530</b> is rotated upon collar <b>502</b>, ring <b>540</b> engages external ledge <b>522</b>. As ring <b>540</b> is drawn closer to sleeve <b>504</b>, tines <b>516</b> compress against push bar <b>132</b>. Accordingly, handle bar <b>134</b> is secured in place. Overtravel of rotational lock <b>530</b> is prevented by virtue of ring <b>540</b> fully engaging lock <b>518</b>. When it is desired to shorten or lengthen handle bar <b>134</b> with respect to push bar <b>132</b>, the user loosens rotational lock in the proper direction, thus removing the compressive force upon tines <b>516</b>. The user then adjusts the position of handle bar <b>134</b> and then retightens rotational lock <b>530</b>.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that stroller <b>100</b> provides numerous advantages with various combinations of unique elements over previously known strollers. In particular, the car seat may be carried in either a forward- or rear-facing direction and is firmly secured to the napper bar and support structure of the stroller. If desired, the napper bar can be moved between an extended and a recessed position while allowing the stroller to remain in its use position. When the stroller is collapsed, the napper bar automatically releases from its extended position without requiring a separate operation. Another advantage of the present invention is that an adjustable foot rest is provided that is not easily dislodged by the child. Still yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an adjustable height or distance from the stroller to accommodate taller individuals.

In view of the foregoing, it should thus be evident that a multi-feature accomplishes the objects of the present invention and otherwise, substantially improves the art.